One thing to know if you're coming from a state that has an all in one DMV - PA has a different system. Penndot has driver licensing centers. But things related to "motor vehicles" (titles, tags, registration) is handled by notaries. From talking to people that deal with a "DMV", I do think our system is better. The official Penndot deals with driver licenses and and you have a seemingly unlimited number of notaries to help with the more common vehicle related tasks. In the old days you'd look in the phone book under notaries, now you'll just search for penndot notaries on your phone.
Driver's license - you will get your real license printed in real time at the licensing center. Depending on how busy they are, you could be in and out with a license in 15 minutes.. or 2 hours. There's typically two "lines" (most of them are take a number). The first is for administrative, like if you need to actually get your license or change your address. The second is the photo and printing. I think in your case you'll be going through both. The administrative portion will collect your information and give you a temporary photo card (probably good for 30 days). You take that to the photo section where they take your picture and print your real license.
For motor vehicles - there is one singular DMV building in Harrisburg, and the rest of the state is handled by notaries that are registered with Penndot. You'll find dozens in any small town. Some will be full office buildings, some will be a shed next to a car lot, and some will be operated off of the notary's back porch. Most are listed as "online" and others not. The only difference is that the online have a computer access to Penndot's system, they can record your title/transfer immediately and print you the official documents. The non-online will give you some carbon copy and you later get your official stuff in the mail. The online ones will charge a bit more than the non-online ones. In both cases, they can register your title and give you license plates immediately. If you do happen to live close to the Harrisburg office and want that DMV experience, you can skip the notary fee altogether.
Just with the holidays, be sure to call or check their website that they're open.
soawesomejohn t1_ixuipjs wrote
Reply to Becoming a PA Resident - Can I apply for car title transfer/tags the same day I go to get my PA license? by crispyedamame
One thing to know if you're coming from a state that has an all in one DMV - PA has a different system. Penndot has driver licensing centers. But things related to "motor vehicles" (titles, tags, registration) is handled by notaries. From talking to people that deal with a "DMV", I do think our system is better. The official Penndot deals with driver licenses and and you have a seemingly unlimited number of notaries to help with the more common vehicle related tasks. In the old days you'd look in the phone book under notaries, now you'll just search for penndot notaries on your phone.
Driver's license - you will get your real license printed in real time at the licensing center. Depending on how busy they are, you could be in and out with a license in 15 minutes.. or 2 hours. There's typically two "lines" (most of them are take a number). The first is for administrative, like if you need to actually get your license or change your address. The second is the photo and printing. I think in your case you'll be going through both. The administrative portion will collect your information and give you a temporary photo card (probably good for 30 days). You take that to the photo section where they take your picture and print your real license.
For motor vehicles - there is one singular DMV building in Harrisburg, and the rest of the state is handled by notaries that are registered with Penndot. You'll find dozens in any small town. Some will be full office buildings, some will be a shed next to a car lot, and some will be operated off of the notary's back porch. Most are listed as "online" and others not. The only difference is that the online have a computer access to Penndot's system, they can record your title/transfer immediately and print you the official documents. The non-online will give you some carbon copy and you later get your official stuff in the mail. The online ones will charge a bit more than the non-online ones. In both cases, they can register your title and give you license plates immediately. If you do happen to live close to the Harrisburg office and want that DMV experience, you can skip the notary fee altogether.
Just with the holidays, be sure to call or check their website that they're open.